make the break

USAGE SUMMARY

"make the break" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a decisive act or moment, often associated with a difficult decision. For example: "After months of deliberation, I finally decided to make the break and move to a new city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What prompted you to make the break?

The New York Times - Arts

It's time to make the break.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His father consented, but Gene couldn't make the break.

The New Yorker

So what made Dane Cobain, 24, make the break to the city?

Independent

Yet Mr Clinton's visit is a dangerous way to make the break.

The Economist

But as in Guadeloupe, few voters have wanted to make the break.

The Economist

Billy – in the book and the film – couldn't quite make the break.

The Guardian

Cartier-Bresson had the courage, and perhaps also the income, to make the break.

The New York Times

Mike was the first to make the break for ideological freedom.

The Guardian

At home, however, Mr. Bush's protectors are not yet ready to make the break.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Breaking up with them when they are already down will make the break-up much harder for both of you.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make the break" when you want to emphasize a decisive, often difficult, decision to separate from a previous situation, habit, or relationship. For example, use it when describing someone quitting a job, ending a relationship, or leaving their hometown.

Common error

Avoid using "make the break" when a more literal description of separation is needed. For example, don't use it to describe physically breaking an object; instead, opt for "break it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make the break" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as part of a clause. It signifies the act of decisively separating from a situation, relationship, or habit. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a considered or difficult decision. The examples show its use in scenarios ranging from career changes to ideological shifts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make the break" is a common and idiomatic expression used to describe a decisive separation from a situation, relationship, or habit. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, consider using it when you wish to emphasize the deliberateness and finality of a separation, but be mindful not to confuse it with literal descriptions of breaking objects. Alternatives like "break away" or "cut the cord" can add nuance, but ensure that your phrasing accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a clean break

Adds emphasis on completeness and finality of the separation.

break away

Highlights the act of escaping or separating from a group or constraint.

sever ties

Focuses on ending a relationship or connection.

cut the cord

Emphasizes independence and freedom from reliance.

separate oneself

Highlights the act of distancing oneself from a group or situation.

leave behind

Focuses on the act of abandoning something or someone.

dissociate oneself

Emphasizes a formal or intentional separation.

take the plunge

Suggests a bold decision to start something new after hesitation.

exit the situation

Neutral phrasing for leaving a particular circumstance.

make a departure

Emphasizes leaving from a place or situation

FAQs

How can I use "make the break" in a sentence?

You can use "make the break" to describe a decisive action of separating from something. For example: "After years of working there, she decided to make the break and start her own business."

What does "make the break" mean?

The phrase "make the break" means to decisively separate oneself from a situation, relationship, or habit. It often implies a significant decision and a change in direction.

What can I say instead of "make the break"?

Alternatives to "make the break" include "sever ties", "break away", or "cut the cord" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "make a break" or "make the break"?

"Make the break" is the more common and idiomatic phrasing. While "make a break" might be grammatically correct in some contexts, it lacks the specific idiomatic meaning of a decisive separation. It's more commonly used in sports context to mean "make a run".